Fire hose couplings and adapters

ABSTRACT

Fire hose couplings and adapters are configured to receive, by any of various types of interconnections, a wide range of attachments enhancing the utility of the associated fire hose. The attachments are secured to the coupler or adapter by way of an appropriate locking engagement, such as by a dovetail connector, setscrews, chemical attachment, adhesives and the like. The attachments cover a broad range of handles, reflective and directional devices, analog and digital sensors/monitors/indicators, and carabiners, and both threaded and unthreaded studs adapted for appropriate receipt of any of a broad range of attachments or uses.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/923,322, filed Mar. 16, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, whichclaimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/477,676, filed Mar. 28, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention herein resides in the art of fire hose couplings andadapters. More particularly, the invention relates to such couplings andadapters that serve functions and purposes beyond those of simplycoupling or adapting the interconnection of one hose or member toanother. Most particularly, the invention relates to fire hose couplingsand adapters of such nature that they are capable of receiving any of ahost of auxiliary implements to facilitate the use of the associatedfire hose and to provide for the safety of the firefighters using them.

BACKGROUND ART

In the art of firefighting hoses and equipment, it is well known thatfire hoses typically come in fixed lengths and, to accommodate extensionof the fire nozzle to a useful position while fighting a fire, varioushose extensions must be employed. These extensions are typicallyinterconnected with each other by means of couplings, which haveheretofore been well known and readily received in the art.

By way of example, FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively show a perspective viewand a front elevational view of a prior art coupler that is designatedgenerally by the numeral 10. The coupler 10 is shown as a blank, nothaving any threads or other means of connecting engagement providedthereon.

For relevant purposes hereto, the prior art coupler blank 10 is shapedin the form of an annular ring 12 having an outer circumferentialsurface 14 and an inner circumferential surface 16. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the prior art coupler blank10 is formed to mate with another coupler, each being connected to anend of a respective piece of hose, and being adapted to mate with eachother. Typically, the inner circumferential surface 16 will be threadedwith internal threads to function as a female piece, while a matingcoupler will be characterized by a threaded piece extending from theinner circumferential surface 16. The male and female pieces may then beappropriately interconnected.

It is further contemplated that the coupler of the instant invention mayalternatively have cam and groove connections or the “VIC” matingconnectors as are now well known in the industry.

Lugs 18, typically three or four in nature, are positioned about theouter circumference 14 of the coupler blank 10 and are adapted toreceive a lug wrench for effecting the desired mating connection. Ingeneral, the lugs 18 are spaced 120° or 90° apart, depending upon thenumber employed.

Also common to the prior art coupler blank 10 is a Higbee indicator,which is well known in the art for use in facilitating the alignment ofmating pieces.

It will be appreciated that the prior art shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , whileserving well to accommodate a rapid and effective coupling orinterconnection between respective hose pieces, serves no otherfunction. However, in the firefighting environment, firefighters andemergency works need every benefit available to keep them well informedregarding the environment they are in, escape routes, the functionalityof the equipment, ease of manipulation of the fire hose, further abilityto fixedly position the hose or nozzle on a ladder or the like, and anyof numerous other capabilities.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the invention toprovide fire hose couplings and adapters that serve functions wellbeyond those of simply interconnecting fire hose pieces or providingadaptation for such interconnections.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide fire hose couplings andadapters that incorporate the prior art structures and techniques forcoupling fire hose pieces together while accommodating a plurality ofnew uses.

Still a further aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hosecouplings and adapters in which the outer circumference of the coupleris characterized by configurations that accommodate mating connectionwith auxiliary operational and/or safety devices while further providingfor ease of reading and manipulation by an operator.

Still a further aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hosecouplings and adapters, wherein the couplings are adapted to receivelong-handled attachments.

A further aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hosecouplings and adapters wherein the coupling has an externalconfiguration adapted for receipt of standard rocker lug attachments, ifdesired.

Still another aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hosecouplings and adapters accommodating receipt of marking indiciaspecifying the pressure side of the coupler and a route of escape fromthe fire.

An additional aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hosecouplings and adapters that accommodate the addition of a closed-loophandle for purposes of manipulation of the hose.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hose couplingsand adapters in which the coupler itself is adapted to securedly receiveany of various sensors, monitors or indicators of an electronicallyoperated and digital or analog type.

Yet a further aspect of the invention is the provision of fire hosecouplings and adapters that can receive color-coded inserts that can beused to indicate the truck, port, or other source of the liquid flowingthrough the associated hose and/or whether any additive(s) has beenadded to that liquid.

Other aspects of the invention are achieved by fire hose couplings andadapters that provide for the implementation of studs, whether threadedor not, interconnected with the coupler or adapter for receiving handlesor other implements or for attachment to aerial ladders and the like, orfor receipt of carabiners or other hooks or connectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other aspects of the invention that will becomeapparent as the detailed description proceeds are achieved by a firehose coupler comprising an outer circumferential surface configured toaccommodate mating connection with auxiliary devices; and an auxiliarydevice taken from the group of operational and safety devices in matingconnection with said circumferential surface.

Additional aspects of the invention are achieved by a fire hose couplercomprising an annular ring having an outer circumferential surfaceconfigured to effect mating connections; and a plurality of auxiliarydevices configured to be received by said annular ring through saidmating connection and wherein said mating connections are releasable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a complete understanding of the invention reference should be madeto the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art coupler blank to besubstituted by those of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coupler blank made in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the coupler blank of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the coupler blank of the invention,showing the same receiving a pair of external long handles;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the structure of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coupler blank made in accordance withthe invention and showing the same being convertible to the lugarrangement of the prior art of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the coupler blank of the invention,showing the same receiving external directional elements;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a coupler blank of the invention,showing the receipt of a single directional element adapted for matingengagement across three dovetail locking members;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a coupler blank made in accordance withthe invention and receiving a handle attachment;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a coupler blank made in accordance withthe invention and receiving in locking engagement asensor/monitor/indicator;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a coupler blank according to theinvention and receiving an analog dial-type pressure gauge;

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the coupler of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a coupler blank according to theinvention and showing the same receiving a plurality of uniformly spacedreflective bars;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a coupler blank according to theinvention and showing the same receiving a detachable handle whileleaving an associated adapter in place;

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the coupler blank of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a coupler blank according to theinvention and showing a stud base extending from the adaptive connectorattached thereto;

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the coupler of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a coupler blank according to theinvention, showing the same receiving a carabiner-type hook for use onladders; and

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the coupler of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a Storz coupling incorporating theconcept of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the interconnecting male and femalehose couplings made in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a coupler according to the inventionemploying a directional ramp that may be illuminated manually or byambient conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , anappreciation can again be obtained as to the structure andcharacteristics of the prior art coupling blanks as designated generallyby the numeral 10. It will, of course, be appreciated throughout, thatwhile reference is made to a coupler blank, finished to be employed as ahose coupler or the like, the concept, structures, and techniques of theinvention are equally applicable to adapters and the like as customarilyemployed in the art of firefighting.

With particular reference to FIG. 3 , it can be seen that a couplerblank made in accordance with the invention is designated generally bythe numeral 22. It will be appreciated that the coupler 22 consists ofan annular ring 24 having an outer flat surface 26 resulting frommilling or cutting the blank 22 from an extruded aluminum stock, theoverall thickness of the coupler 22 being determined by the spacing ofsuch cuts.

The inner circumference 28 of the annular ring 24 is shown withoutmating configurations, but those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe coupler blank 22 could have the inner circumference 28 threaded aswith a female thread adapted for receiving, in mating engagement, themale thread of the element to which it is to be coupled. Any of varioustypes of other mating connections can characterize the coupler blanksdescribed herein, including cam and groove or “VIC” mating structures.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , dovetail-shaped lugs 30, with undercutlateral sides, extend inwardly to the longitudinal flat outer surface 26and outwardly to the radiused top curved surface 32. The curve of thesurfaces 32 falls within the circle defined by the outer perimeter ofthe coupler blank 22.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , it will be seen that thedovetail-shaped lugs 30 are uniformly spaced about the outercircumference of the blank 22 and are adapted to receive the prior artlug wrench adapted for use by the prior art coupler blanks 10. Moreover,the Higbee indicator 20 is also provided.

As will become apparent throughout the remainder of the description, thedovetail-shaped lugs 30, extending between the curved radius outercircumferential surfaces 32 and the inner flat longitudinal surfaces 26,provide for dovetail interconnection of various types of attachments,aids, tools, and the like. It will also be appreciated that theuniformly spaced dovetailed elements about the outer surface of thecoupler blank 22 enhances the hand grip that can be applied by thefirefighter to the coupler itself.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , it can be seen that a couplerblank 34 is shown in receipt of mating dovetailed connectors oflong-handled attachments in the form of ribbed handles 36. As shown,each of the ribbed handles 36 has a base 38 with a pair of legs 40extending on opposite sides thereof, each having a dovetailed lowersurface 42 that slidingly mates with the outer longitudinal flat surface26, top curved surface 32, and intervening dovetail-shaped lugs 30. Thedovetailed configurations at the distal end of the ribbed handles 36make sliding mating connection with the dovetail-shaped lugs 30 when themating members are slid axially as the ribbed handles 36 are positionedupon the blank 34. When appropriately positioned axially, the ribbedhandles 36 are locked in place by appropriate setscrews 44 engaging thetop curved surfaces 32 of associated lugs 30.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, while theribbed handles 36 may be engaged as just described by sliding the sameinto the dovetailed interconnection and securing them by means ofsetscrews, other appropriate means may also be employed. It iscontemplated that the dovetail connector 42 at the distal end of thehandle 36 may, in fact, have an axial taper 42 a to it such that it isswaged or locked onto the dovetail connector of the blank 34 by afriction fit or the like. Suffice it to say that the instant inventioncontemplates any of various appropriate means of fixedly securing theribbed handles 36 to the outer dovetailed surface of the blank 34.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8 , it can be seen that a couplerblank 46 is adapted for receiving, by appropriate connection such as adovetail connection, standard rocker lug attachments 48, exhibiting thelugs 50 such as those of the prior art of FIGS. 1 and 2 . Again, adovetail mating interconnection, as at 52, allows for the implementationof the standard rocker lug attachments 48. The mating dovetailconnections may be engaged by key and keyway sliding or wedgedengagement. If simple key and keyway sliding engagement is employed, asetscrew or setscrews 54 may be employed to lock the attachments 48 inplace. The result, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , is a replication of theprior art arrangement. Again, and as is standard, the Higbee indicator20 remains employed in association with the coupler.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , it can be seen that a furthercoupler blank and associated attachment is designated generally by thenumeral 56. Here, a direction indication insert 58 is received by one ofthe ways or longitudinal flat surfaces 26 and wedged beneath theundercuts on the opposite sides thereof, and is held in place byappropriate setscrew 60 or by a swage or friction fit, or by appropriatechemical bonding. As shown, the insert 58 can be of any of variousconfigurations, including that of a directional arrow or the like,extending above the top surface of the insert 58 and oriented such thatit points toward a desired location, such as the exterior of thebuilding, or to where the tanker truck or the like is located. In otherwords, opposite the direction of fluid flow. It is further contemplatedthat the arrow or other directional indicia may be color coded. Such araised arrow 62 may aid a firefighter in escaping away (back along thehose line) from the fire in a smoke-filled room/area. The size and shapeof the indicia 62 may vary. Again, as with the other embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein, the concept is equally applicable tocouplers and adapters.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12 , it can be seen that yet anotherattachment for the coupler or adapter blank of the instant invention isdesignated generally by the numeral 64 showing an insert 66appropriately connected such as by the dovetail connection discussedhereinabove and as fixed by the utilization of setscrews 68 or the like.Again, in addition to the keyway interconnection discussed in detailabove, other means of connection might be employed, such as chemicalbonding, friction fit, swaging, and the like.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 , a recessed indicator, such as adirectional arrow 70, is employed. Here again, the arrow will typicallybe used to point in a direction readily apparent to a firefighter.Typically, such will be pointed to the end of the hose attached to anappropriate tanker truck or the like, which will be associated with theexit of the building being serviced by the firefighter.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiment 64, recessed indicia 70may receive a reflective tape in the bottom thereof, or may be pouredfull with a reflective material for quick recognition by a firefighteror the like.

Referencing now to FIGS. 13 and 14 , it will be appreciated that yetanother coupler or adapter blank 72 is shown in association with theattachment of a handle 74 received by the keys and ways 26, 32, 52 asdescribed above, and locked to the dovetail interconnection by means ofappropriate setscrews 76 impacting the radiused surfaces 32.

The handle 74 can aid a firefighter in advancing the hose line. The sizeand shape of the handle 74 may vary. While again, a blank is shown inthe drawings, the concept applies equally to both couplings andadapters.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 , the broad adaptability of theconcept of the invention can be appreciated by reference to a coupler oradapter blank 77, shown as receiving, with the techniques repeatedlydescribed above, a sensor/monitor/indicator 78. A sensor 80, such as asensor for water pressure, oxygen levels, toxic fumes, or the like, hasan associated plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 82 for emittingappropriate warning signals relating to the parameters being measuredand monitored. A control switch 84 is provided for activating ordeactivating any of the various sensors/monitors/indicators 78. The unit78 is secured in its dovetail interconnection by means of appropriatesetscrews 86. Finally, it will be appreciated that the indicia of theLEDs 82 may be supplemented by tweets, flashes or the like, warning whencertain conditions are or are not met. Such audible or visual signalsmay also aid the firefighter in a smoke-filled room in overcomingdisorientation.

With reference now to FIGS. 17 and 18 , an additional coupler blank isdesignated generally by the numeral 88 and includes the attachment of asensor 90, which, in this case, is an analog sensor, such as one forsensing water pressure, temperatures or the like. The sensor 90 includesa readout dial 92, as shown.

With reference now to FIGS. 19 and 20 , an additional coupler or adapterblank 90 is designated generally by the numeral 94. Here, color-codedreflective bars 96 are held by setscrews, adhesive, chemical bonding orthe like in dovetail ways uniformly spaced about the circumference ofthe coupler blank 94. In one embodiment of the invention, it iscontemplated that the reflective bar may be red, aiding a firefighter inescaping away from a fire in a smoke-filled room. It will be appreciatedthat the size and shape may vary. Other colors may be used for otherpurposes.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 , it can be seen that yet anadditional embodiment of the invention is designated by the numeral 98,wherein a coupler is fixed with a detached handle 100. Here, the handleis shown as a loop-type handle, although any of various types may beemployed. As shown, a threaded stud 102 extends outwardly from the base38 of the adapter. A first nut 104 is threaded onto the stud 102 andagainst the base 38. The handle 100 is then received by the stud, whichis locked thereto by means of a second nut 106 threaded against thehandle 100 into locking engagement between the nuts 104, 106. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the nut 106 may comprise alocknut. As presented hereinabove, setscrews 108 may be employed tosecure the attachment to the dovetail structure of the connector blankin the manner described hereinabove. The handle attachment can aid afirefighter in manipulating the associated hose toward the fire. Thesize and shape of the handle may vary to accommodate a broad range ofuses and users.

With attention now to FIGS. 23 and 24 , it can be seen that anadditional coupler blank and associated attachment are designatedgenerally by the numeral 110. The coupler 110 has a stud base 112 fixedby means of a nut 114 to the base 38 of the adapter. Setscrew 116 mayhold the adapter base in place in typical fashion. It is contemplatedthat the stud 114 may be internally threaded for receiving any ofvarious types of additional attachments thereto, or such attachments maybe slid over the stud 112 and locked thereto by means of appropriatesetscrews or the like. It is further contemplated that the stud 112might be used for attachment to an aerial ladder, truck or the like.

With reference now to FIGS. 25 and 26 , it will be seen that a couplerblank 118 is provided in interconnection with the attachment of acarabiner 120 having a pivotal arm 122 adapted for opening and closingin standard fashion to provide a hook for any of various means. Thecarabiner 120 is received by an eye 124, which is threaded into a studbase 126, and which may then be locked by means of engagement of the nut128 against the base of the eye 124. Again, an appropriate setscrew 130may be employed to secure the dovetail interconnection between thecoupler and attachment as described above.

As discussed above, the instant invention is applicable to a broad rangeof couplers and adapters, a coupler blank being described throughout byway of example only. As shown in FIG. 27 , the concept of the inventionis shown as being implemented with a Storz coupling designated generallyby the numeral 132. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that FIG.27 shows one-half of a Storz coupling, the other half being ofsubstantially the same nature. The two are interconnected by means of apair of dog-ear lugs on each of the two portions of the connectors, thedog-ear lugs 134 interconnecting with ramped surfaces on the oppositeportion of the coupling, the interconnection of the dog-ear lugs withthe ramped surfaces causing compressive engagement with gasketsinterposed between the pair. The compressive engagement of the gasketsprovides for a seal between the mating portions 132 of the Storzcoupling. In somewhat standard fashion, a notch 136 is provided in theannular coupling 132 for purposes of receiving a locking pin or thelike. As shown in FIG. 27 , the Storz connectors 132 are provided withdovetail connectors formed by dovetail-shaped lugs 30 in spacedarrangement about the circumferential surface 28. These dovetailconnections serve to receive and interconnect with any of a plurality ofattachments as discussed above.

With reference to FIG. 28 , the interconnection of male and female hosecouplings made in accordance with the invention and from the blanksdiscussed hereinabove is shown and designated generally by the numeral138. Here, the coupling 138 comprises a male portion 140 received by afemale portion 142 by threaded interengagement between the external malethreads 146 and the internal female threads 144. Both the male andfemale portions of the fire hose coupling 138 are populated withdovetailed lugs 32 spaced about the circumferential surface 28. Again,the dovetailed connecting surfaces 32, 28 provide a means adapted forreceiving the various attachments identified and discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 29 , a coupler having a directional ramp made inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention is designated generallyby the numeral 150. As with the general concept of the invention,dovetail-shaped lugs 30 having top curved surfaces 32 are spaced apartby the longitudinal flat surfaces 26. The dovetailed lugs 30 and theinner and outer surfaces 26, 32 provide for mating engagement with amonitor and indicator assembly 152. The assembly 152 has a pair ofaccessible top panels 154 and an accessible front panel 156 releasablysecured by respective screws or the like 158, 160.

Mounted atop the monitor and indicator assembly 152 is a pushbuttonswitch 162 and a flared ramp 164, which may be selectively illuminatedby means of a lamp (not shown) therein. The lamp may be illuminated bymeans of the pushbutton switch 162 or, alternatively, may be illuminatedby means of a temperature sensor, smoke sensor, or other suitablemonitoring device. The ramp is flared, being wider at the base andnarrower at the top, serving as a directional arrow directing tosafety—such as the origin of the associated hose or the like. The flaredramp 164 may be illuminated manually by depression of the pushbutton162. Alternatively, it may operate off of a temperature sensor, smokesensor or the like, maintained within the assembly 152 to illuminatewhen a threshold temperature or smoke level has been reached.

As also shown in FIG. 29 , internal female threads 166 are employed toaccommodate the inclusion of the coupler 150 in a hose arrangement.

Thus it can be seen that the various aspects of the invention have beenachieved by the structures and techniques described in detail above.While in accordance with the patent statutes, only the best mode andpreferred embodiment contemplated for the invention have been presentedand described in detail, the invention is not limited thereto orthereby. The invention is best defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fire hose coupler, comprising: an annular ringhaving an outer circumferential surface characterized bycircumferentially uniformly spaced dovetail-shaped lugs thereaboutconfigured to accommodate mating connection with devices complementingthe utility of the fire hose coupler beyond simply coupling fire hosesections; said device being in mating connection with at least certainof said dovetail-shaped lugs; wherein said devices comprise handleattachments; and wherein each handle attachment comprises a first sideand a second side opposite the first side, wherein said first sidecomprises a shape complimentary to said outer circumferential surfaceand is configured to form a dovetail mating interconnection with atleast one of said dovetail-shaped lugs, and wherein said second sidecomprises a handle extending therefrom.
 2. The fire hose coupleraccording to claim 1, wherein said handle is a ribbed handle.
 3. Thefire hose coupler according to claim 1, wherein said handle forms amenclosed opening.
 4. The fire hose coupler according to claim 3, whereinsaid handle attachment is of a unitary construction.
 5. The fire hosecoupler according to claim 1, wherein said handle attachment comprises abase with dove-tail shaped lugs in mating engagement with said annularring and a handle secured to said base.
 6. The fire hose coupleraccording to claim 5, wherein said handle is a loop-type handle securedto said base by threaded engagement.
 7. The fire hose coupler accordingto claim 6, wherein said threaded engagement comprises a threaded studsecured to said base and the said loop-type handle.
 8. The fire hosecoupler according to claim 7, wherein said loop-type handle is acarabiner.
 9. A fire hose coupler, comprising: an annular ring having anouter circumferential surface of uniformly spaced dovetail-shaped lugsthereabout configured to effect mating key and keyway slidingengagements; and a plurality of devices taken from a group ofoperational and safety devices for fire hoses configured to be receivedby said annular ring through said mating key and keyway slidingengagements and wherein said mating key and keyway sliding engagementsare releasable, and further wherein said handle devices comprise handleattachments; and wherein each handle attachment comprises a first sideand a second side opposite the first side, wherein said first sidecomprises a shape complimentary to said outer circumferential surfaceand is configured to form a dovetail mating interconnection with atleast one of said dovetail-shaped lugs, and wherein said second sidecomprises a handle extending therefrom.
 10. The fire hose coupleraccording to claim 9, wherein said handle is a ribbed handle extendingradially outwardly from said annular ring.
 11. The fire hose coupleraccording to claim 9, wherein said handle forms an enclosed opening. 12.The fire hose coupler according to claim 11, wherein said handleattachment is of an integrated construction.
 13. The fire hose coupleraccording to claim 9, wherein said handle attachment comprises a basewith dovetail shaped lugs in mating engagement with said annular ringand a handle secured to said base.
 14. The fire hose coupler accordingto claim 13, wherein said handle comprises a carabiner.
 15. The firehose coupler according to claim 13, wherein said handle is a loop typehandle secured to said base by threaded engagement.
 16. The fire hosecoupler according to claim 15, wherein said threaded engagementcomprises a threaded stud secured to said base and to said loop-typehandle.
 17. A fire hose coupler, comprising: an annular ring having anouter circumferential surface characterized by circumferentiallyuniformly spaced dovetail-shaped lugs thereabout configured toaccommodate mating connection with devices complementing the utility ofthe fire hose coupler beyond simply coupling fire hose sections; saiddevices being in mating connection with at least certain of saiddovetail-shaped lugs; wherein said devices comprise safety signalingattachments; and wherein each safety signaling attachment comprises afirst side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein said firstside comprises a shape complimentary to said outer circumferentialsurface and is configured to form a dovetail mating interconnection withat least one of said dovetail-shaped lugs, and wherein said second sidecomprises a safety signaling device extending therefrom.
 18. The firehose coupler according to claim 17, wherein said safety signaling devicecomprises a sensor for monitoring operational and ambient conditions anda warning signal emitter for emitting a warning signal if certainoperational or ambient conditions are not met.
 19. The fire hose coupleraccording to claim 18, wherein said safety signaling devise comprises acontrol switch for selecting among said operational and ambientconditions to be monitored.
 20. The fire hose coupler according to claim19, wherein said operational and ambient conditions are taken from thegroup of water pressure, oxygen levels, toxic fumes, and temperatures.